01 June 2025

BE FAITHFUL IN SERVING GOD

(Biblical & Spiritual Exhortations: BSE 14)

In the light of Christ’s Resurrection and His Return, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Church thus: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1Cor.15:58). The NKJV says: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”. The exhortation is to be faithful and steadfast in serving God no matter what. There will always be problems, hindrances and difficulties but“let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”. No adversity should deter us from serving the Lord faithfully and with fervor because He will give us grace and strength.

We are encouraged to “always abounding in the work of the Lord”. The NIV says “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”. In other words, we are to give ourselves wholeheartedly to work for God always, regardless of the circumstances. The work of the Lord is serving Him in the Church and extending His Kingdom on earth. This is urgent because we are living in the last days of end times. Our Lord said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him Who sent Me. Night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

The exhortation is “stand firm. Let nothing move you” or “be steadfast, immovable…” We must not be shaken or deterred by adversity, difficulty or even opposition. God’s Word and God’s work must go on, no matter what. That is faith and faithfulness. Paul told the persecuted saints to “strive together as one for the faith of the Gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (Phil.2:27-28). Boldness and fearlessness are the hallmarks of the Spirit-filled and anointed witness for Christ.

The reason for serving zealously is now given: “because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”. Firstly, this means that our labor for God will be fruitful. Secondly, it implies that it will not be wasted –“not in vain”. Thirdly, it implies that we will be rewarded by the Lord. God sees and knows what we do for Him. Most importantly, He sees our heart – that we are doing it for Him and His Glory. Paul tells us that “Whatever we do, do it to the Glory of God” (1 Cor.10:31). That is the highest and purest motive of our service for God.

At the end of the day, we know that we will have stand before the Lord to give an account of our life and our works. Hence, Paul said, “Wherefore we labor, that we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor.5:9-10 -KJV). This is something no one can avoid or “escape” because the Bible says “It is appointed unto men once to die and after this the Judgment” (Heb.9:27). May we be ready when our time is up and as we face the Lord, may we hear Him say,“Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!

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